How to adapt marine and port infrastructure to sea level rise?
The rising sea level is now a measurable reality, whose effects are already observable on many maritime and port structures : docks more frequently submerged, dykes stressed beyond their initial design hypotheses, acceleration of erosion and corrosion phenomena.
This evolution requires a profound questioning of marine engineering practices, both in design and in operation. The challenge is no longer just to repair, but to anticipate and adapt infrastructures under evolving marine conditions.
At CREOSEA, we support project owners, design offices and port operators intechnical adaptation of marine structures in the face of rising sea levels, by combining engineering, field inspection and operational supervision.
Context, definition and challenges of sea level rise
The rise in sea level is mainly linked to two well-identified phenomena:
- The termal expansion ocean water bodies.
- The melting of continental ice.
Recent measurements show an acceleration of the phenomenon, with speeds of the order of 4 to 5 mm per year, and projections that can reach several tens of centimeters by 2100, according to climate scenarios.
For maritime structures, the consequences are direct:
- Increased frequency of submersions.
- Change of wave and current conditions.
- Progressive reduction of hydraulic safety margins.
- Accelerated degradation of exposed structures.
On site, CREOSEA observes that these effects often result in early deterioration of toe protections, scour zones, and crest elements, well before the structure shows visible signs of overall failure.
The adaptation of maritime structures thus becomes a strategic risk management issue, as well as a technical challenge.
Methodology and best practices for adapting maritime structures
Effective adaptation is based on a progressive approach, based on knowledge of what exists and the expectation of future conditions.
1. In-depth technical diagnosis
Any coping strategy starts with a accurate diagnosis of the structure :
- Underwater inspections of foundations and submerged protections.
- Analysis of structural pathologies (cracking, corrosion, scouring).
- Updated topographic and bathymetric surveys.
This diagnosis makes it possible to assess the residual capacity of the structure in the face of rising sea levels.
2. Integration of climate scenarios
Historical design assumptions based on stationary marine states are no longer sufficient.
Current methods incorporate evolving scenarios, taking into account:
- The gradual rise in the average level.
- The shift in the probabilities of occurrence of extreme events.
- The actual lifespan of the work.
Rather than immediate oversizing, CREOSEA favors adaptive solutions, compatible with subsequent enhancements or reinforcements.
3. Technical adaptation solutions
Depending on the context, several levers can be mobilized:
- Targeted raising of crest elevations
- Reinforcement or reconfiguration of dissipative protections.
- Hybrid solutions combining structures and natural processes.
- Functional adaptation of exposed port areas.
Each solution is analysed from the angle technical, operational and economic.
Safety, regulations and quality requirements
The adaptation of maritime structures must guarantee a constant level of security, despite the evolution of hazards.
Safety and operation
The adapted structures must ensure:
- Structural stability under degraded conditions.
- The safety of users and port operators.
- Business continuity, even in the event of partial submersion.
Regulatory framework
Adaptation projects are part of demanding normative and regulatory frameworks:
- International recommendations for maritime structures.
- National regulations relating to coastal risks.
- Specific requirements of port authorities.
Quality assurance
The robustness of technical decisions is based on:
- The reliability of the input data.
- The traceability of calculation hypotheses.
- Clear and justifiable documentation over time.
CREOSEA applies a structured, integrating quality approach inspection feedback, modeling and field checks.
Feedback, tools and field supervision
The adaptation of maritime structures cannot be thought of without a strong link between engineering and field.
Tools and methods
CREOSEA mobilises in particular:
- Underwater inspections by commercial divers and ROVs.
- Photogrammetry and 3D modeling of existing structures.
- Integration of data into BIM or port GIS environments.
- Comparative analyses over time to monitor the evolution of disorders.
Operational supervision
Adaptation work is often carried out in port site operated, under the constraints of waves, tides and maritime traffic.
Technical supervision makes it possible to anticipate critical interfaces, to adapt the phasing of works and to guarantee compliance between design and construction.
It is in this ability to transform field data into concrete technical decisions What is the added value of CREOSEA.
Conclusion: anticipate today to secure tomorrow's maritime structures
Rising sea levels require a sustainable evolution of practices in marine engineering.
The adaptation of books is not based on a single solution, but on a strategy combining accurate diagnosis, climate scenarios and evolving technical solutions.
Based on a double expertise field—engineering, CREOSEA supports port actors in adaptation approaches that are realistic, robust and compatible with operational constraints.